Vocational education and training (VET) is not a new trend. It’s been an important element in learning a trade for decades. Many master technicians in South Africa began their careers through apprenticeships and vocational, on-the-job training. However, even though VET has been an important skills-building tool since the third industrial revolution, there are key trends shaping how VET is evolving. More importantly, businesses today have a unique opportunity to leverage VET to solve South Africa’s skills and unemployment challenges and turn our country into a manufacturing powerhouse.
Let’s take a quick look at the current business landscape. We’re all aware of the challenges South Africa is facing, from an unstable electrical grid to continued supply chain issues. Global instability means fuel prices are high and social unrest can be seen around the world. Within this context, South African businesses have proven themselves to be extremely resilient. The question is, do we want to survive, or thrive?
Unlike many countries dealing with an aging population that is nearing retirement, South Africa has a young population eager for work. Our problem isn’t the availability of labour – it is experience and skills levels. Many matriculant and university students struggle to find jobs because they lack experience. And yet many businesses we speak to are desperately looking for employees who can become masters at their trades. The world may be going digital, but there are many jobs that only people can do, even they need some new digital skills to perform them. They just need the right training and on-the-job experience.
Enter vocational education and training and the trends shaping a new wave of jobs specifically suited to VET. One significant trend is the integration of technology into VET programs. The rapid advancement of digital technologies has necessitated the inclusion of digital literacy and skills in vocational training curricula. This trend is aimed at preparing students for the modern workforce, which increasingly relies on digital tools and platforms. For instance, programs now often include training in information technology, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, reflecting the growing importance of these skills in various industries.
We are increasingly speaking to business leaders who understand the need to align VET programs with industry needs. This alignment ensures that the skills taught are relevant and in demand, improving employability for graduates. The involvement of industry partners in curriculum development and the provision of practical training opportunities are key aspects of this trend and the result of established VET providers with strong industry connections.
In South Africa, efforts are being made to ensure that VET programs are accessible to all segments of the population, including previously disadvantaged groups. Government support includes the establishment of sector education and training authorities (SETAs), which oversee the implementation of skills development programs and ensure that training meets national standards. These efforts are aimed at creating a more coordinated and effective vocational education system that can contribute to the country’s economic growth and development. Your VET partner can help you determine the best way to fund VET training.
South African businesses can make the most of VET
One way that businesses can leverage these trends is by collaborating closely with VET institutions to design and implement training programs that are tailored to their industry requirements. This collaboration can include providing input on curriculum development, offering internships and apprenticeships, and even co-funding training programs. These partnerships ensure that the skills being taught are relevant and up-to-date, which can reduce the time and cost associated with onboarding new employees.
Embracing competency-based education (CBE) can also be advantageous. By focusing on specific competencies and skills, businesses can ensure that their employees are well-equipped to perform their roles effectively. This approach allows for more targeted training and development, which can lead to better job performance and higher employee satisfaction. Businesses can work with VET providers to develop competency frameworks that align with their operational needs and strategic goals. This also gives companies more security when hiring fresh graduates who do not have on-the-job experience.
Let’s take a moment to picture a South Africa built on skills that support current ways of working and our manufacturing and supply chain needs. With such a young population, we have an opportunity to build the foundations for a strong business and manufacturing sector that leverages our natural resources and raw minerals and positions South Africa as a leader on the continent.
